After some years, "The Farm", as we call it, stood vacant. The old barn was long gone, and only a silo marked where it had been. One day, it was contemplated that a new barn be erected, and over the … Read more

I once had a red maple tree that grew from seed in a privet hedge that lined the driveway. I thought the tree was so precious that I let it continue to grow, with full intentions to transplant it one … Read more

Having been diagnosed with diabetes, I was placed on a diet to control the level of sugar and thus control my diabetic problem without medication. I strived to do this, with success. It seemed a simple thing to do, and, … Read more

I was observing a robin as he scurried along through the tall green grass. He moved quickly, then stopped, tilted his head, and bang — down went his beak into the ground. Often he came up empty. Then he got … Read more

It was time to take my boxed plants from their containers and place them out in the garden. Have you ever noticed how quickly the plants come along once they have the freedom to spread their roots and take in … Read more

As fall approached and since we had given up travelling south for the winter, I decided to bring the geraniums that were still blooming into the house. For some time they continued to bloom; then, one by one, they faded … Read more

On Easter Sunday last week, we were all handed a flower at the entrance into the sanctuary. This was to be placed on the plain black cross, left there from Good Friday. One by one, the flowers made the cross … Read more

Recently I observed my husband as he attempted to struggle with a jam-packed wallet filled with plastic cards. He was looking for a card of his own, with his address on it, to pass on to another. Have you noticed … Read more

As I waited for my husband to come out of the drug mart, I noted the sign inside that read, "We have all you need for Easter!" Easter eggs, chocolate bunnies, and cards made up the displays in the store. … Read more

After what has seemed a long winter, comes the month of March. On the farm, while the apple trees are still dormant, it is time to prune the trees. The sap has not yet begun to run, and while it … Read more

I was reading an article about a system that can track one's car and knows its exact position. It can also give audible directions to lead one to where it is one wishes to go. Thinking back, I would suppose … Read more

After a day of rain came a day that was bright but cold, with the last of the rain turning into a skiff of snow. I waited for the family to arrive for dinner and a celebration of the birthday … Read more

During Advent, I read a devotional that told about John the Baptist calling for people to repent. The music in the background was "Hark! the herald angels sing." We had just received the news from our son that their precious … Read more

After last year's crop of tomatoes, which didn't amount to very much, I decided to change the soil. Early in the spring I removed much of the topsoil and replaced it with new. Now, it is necessary to understand that … Read more

Looking out of the window onto the backyard, I observed the birds filling up on the seeds that were scattered on the late summer grasses. Their appointed season here in the north was just about up, and the time of … Read more

In talking back and forth with reference to writing a devotional, the subject came up, "What makes it sparkle? What catches our attention?" The conclusion that we two contributors came to was that the message is best when it comes … Read more

Having picked up a small booklet, I was about to read the devotional messages written by Mary (not her real name). A friend who saw the booklet in my hand approached me, and he said, "Now you have competition!" I … Read more

The phone rang early this morning. I was the only one up to take the call. On the other end was a familiar voice, that of our son. For some time he had talked of bringing some topsoil to our … Read more

For several days, I had noticed that the sprinkler head on the valve that waters the back lawn was doing its job, but when the watering of the lawn was finished, the head cover was not seating properly. I mentioned … Read more

Some time ago we purchased a new filter for the furnace. This filter is designed to eliminate the particles in the air passing through the furnace both in winter and in summer. At the time of purchase, we registered for … Read more

When you visit a hospital or a nursing home, have you ever noticed just how quiet it can be? Life's struggles have overcome the measure of strength in persons now spending time waiting in older age. Often we never give … Read more

I now attend a stately old church made out of stone that came from a quarry nearby. Built in the year 1880, it has come to the time to be pointed. Yes, I, too, wondered what it meant to be … Read more

We had the house painted three years ago, and this year, after a long cold winter, I noticed that some of the paint was blistering and flaking off. Upon a closer look and using a screwdriver to help remove the … Read more

It was a dull and rainy day, the kind of day that we tend to forget about on the sunny days of summer. After I had spent time in devotions, in having my coffee, and in watching the flickering flame … Read more

Spreading wide the curtains in the front room, a place I love to snuggle down with the good book, I noticed that it was the time of year when the leaves turn colour and begin to fall. It is a … Read more

Having had a difficulty that I didn't know how to deal with, I finally came to discuss it with clergy. I was told that I wasn't the only one having the same problem, meaning that others suffer from the same … Read more

I have come to the conclusion that in some ways I try too hard to "do". I was reading an article that made a lot of sense to me. It referred to the time when God reconciled us to Himself, … Read more

I had good intentions in raking all the winter debris out from under the hedge and off the garden. I heaped it onto the patio, but didn't get a chance to pick it up. It was Sunday, and the rain … Read more

How often when someone asks, "How are you?" we instantly say, "I'm fine," when in fact we are not. Either we don't wish to talk about our problems, or we think, "Who really cares?" A while back, I sat for … Read more

Several weeks back, I was asked to write a few words for the "Prayer Circle" page in our upcoming newsletter, something for the closing of yet another church year, when many will be off to their cottages and on vacation. … Read more

In a conversation, I mentioned a trip that I was intending to take, and the response was, "You must be wealthy!" I thought about this, and asked myself, how do we measure wealth? Is it all to do with money? … Read more

When we wintered in the state of Florida, we usually arrived just as the second crop of tomatoes was being staked. The plants had reached about a foot-and-a-half in height. Later, I used to go into the fields when the … Read more

While living in a rented home for a couple of months, I was not familiar with the toaster. I am in the habit of leaving a slice of bread sitting in the toaster, ready for me to push down the … Read more